The Luther George skatepark in Springdale, AR has been closed for several months, leaving skaters wondering when they can return to the public facility. We spoke with Eric Carr, Springdale Parks and Recreation Park Superintendent, to get an update on the situation and learn about the future of the skatepark.
Current Repair Plans Underway
The closure stems from a combination of normal wear and tear, exacerbated by some instances of vandalism. The damage was significant enough to necessitate a complete closure for safety reasons. Carr explained that the Parks and Recreation department has been actively working on a repair plan for the past two weeks.
The good news is that repairs are finally on the horizon. The city has ordered new sheets of "Skatelite", super-durable paper-composite material designed to stand up to damage inflicted by general use skateboards and bikes, to replace the damaged materials. These specialized sheets, ideal for skatepark surfaces, require a manufacturing lead time, which has contributed to the delay. American Ramp Company (ARC) ,who has been involved with several parks in Arkansas, has been awarded the repair contract and is ready to begin work as soon as the materials arrive.
Materials Expected Soon
According to Carr, the Skatelite sheets are expected to ship this week or next. Once they arrive, ARC will begin the repair process. While an exact reopening date is still dependent on the shipping timeline and the speed of the repairs, this is a significant step forward.
Looking to the Future: A New Skatepark on the Horizon?
Beyond the immediate repairs, Springdale is looking towards the future of the skatepark. The city is currently gathering estimates from ARC and other contractors for a completely new skatepark design. Several construction options are being considered, including in-ground, above-ground, and prefabricated designs. Additional conversations regarding multiple skateparks in Springdale are also on the table, making bidding on this project more appealing for contractors in the space.
While plans are in motion, funding for a new skatepark is still pending. Carr mentioned that possible bond projects are being considered as a potential funding source, though nothing has been finalized yet.
Community Partnerships and Potential Future Plans
We also heard from multiple sources that The Jones Center has also explored the possibility of building a skatepark on their campus. While discussions have taken place, no final decisions have been made. The Jones Center would be a likely candidate for such a venture, showing support to the shred community with the installation of the Velosolutions Pump Track not long ago. Projects like this are made possible by grants from The Walton Family Foundation for $1.1 million, which empowered Velosolutions, a global leader in pump tracks, to create the current pump track at the Jones Center.
Within the next few weeks, Springdale Parks and Recreation anticipates having a comprehensive plan in place, encompassing both the repairs to the existing skatepark and the vision for a new and improved facility at Luther George Park. We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available. -B. Herb
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